For an Energy Emergency, call (760) 335-3640 or toll-free 1-800-303-7756.

Press 1 for Emergencies and select from the prompts:

• Power Lines Down

• Power Pole Down

• No Power

• Other Power Related Problems

Website: www.iid.com

To report a power outage, call toll-free 1-800-303-7756, local (760) 335-3640, or use the Online Form.

Note: Please download the IID Customer Connect app in IOS or Android to view outages via mobile device.

Before a power outage occurs:

1. Become familiar with your service panel location and how to operate the main circuit breaker.

2. Prepare a basic emergency kit and store it in an easy-to-locate place. The kit should contain:

• Flashlight

• Bottled water

• Extra batteries

• Wind-up clock

• Manual can opener

• Battery-operated radio or television

3. Use Surge protectors to help protect your household appliances and sensitive electronic devices from damaging power surges caused by wind and lightning storms.

If your power goes out, it may just be your home so the first thing you should do is check your home’s circuit breakers or fuses.

If your neighborhood is dark, there may be a power outage. Turn off all lights and major appliances, including your computer, air conditioner, and television. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

When the power is restored, do not turn on all your appliances at once. This will help protect your equipment from voltage fluctuations and circuit overloads when the power returns.

Here is a short video on how to turn on your main circuit breaker:

Energy theft is not victimless. When someone steals electricity, we all pay.

Energy theft and tampering is extremely dangerous. People who interfere with electric meters, equipment, and power lines are also endangering themselves, their families, and their neighbors. They may also be putting utility personnel and emergency first responders at great risk.

You can help by reporting anyone you suspect of tampering with an electric meter, equipment, or power line. IID will investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. All information you provide will be held in strict confidence.

Should you suspect anyone of energy theft, or if you have information that could be helpful in stopping this crime, don’t hesitate to contact IID’s Security and Investigations Unit directly at (760) 482-3688. You can also report it with their Online Form.

For a Water Emergency, call the 24-hour emergency operator at (760) 398-2651 to request immediate assistance.

Website: cvwd.org

If you need your water shut-off IMMEDIATELY, call (760) 398-2651 to request an Emergency Off!

An emergency off is when a resident calls in and needs their water turned off IMMEDIATELY. Once CVWD is notified that an emergency off has been requested, a zanjero will promptly make his/her way to the meter and turn off all water to the property.

Note: A zanjero is an individual that manages the irrigation distribution system. Some of his/her tasks include turning valves, reading meters, and monitoring flows to ensure water delivery to the customer.

If you suspect a water leak inside your house or need to turn off water in your house, locate the shut-off valve.

The shut-off valve can be found at a faucet on an outside wall of your house, generally in a direct line from the water meter. The water meter is the rectangular concrete or plastic box that is flush to the ground and usually located near the roadway curb or sidewalk in front of your property.

The shut-off valve can be a gate valve (wheel) or ball valve (handle). Turn the valve in the opposite direction to shut off water flow in your house. This does not stop water flow outside your house such as sprinklers, faucets, and pools.

In the event of an emergency, CVWD may issue a Boil Notice as a precautionary measure if water quality is in doubt. CVWD will test the water for contaminants. If the water is deemed unhealthful, a Boil Notice will be issued until the problem is located and solved, and the water is tested again and shown to meet all state and federal quality standards. Notification will be made through the media, posted fliers in public spaces and other means.

What to do during a Boil Notice:

1. Bottled Water - Your first choice for replacing tap water for drinking and cooking should be commercially bottled water. Everyone should include in their emergency supply kit a 7-day supply of bottled water (1 gallon of water per person, per day, plus extra water for pets).

2. Boiled Water - If you don’t have bottled water, you should use boiled tap water. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms. If the water is unusually cloudy, murky or colored, filter it first through a clean cloth or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for boiling. Then, bring to a rolling boil and leave for one minute.

3. Bleached Water - If you don't have bottled water and are unable to boil water, your next best choice is to disinfect tap water with household bleach. Bleach will kill some (but not all) types of disease-causing organisms. If the water is unusually cloudy, murky or colored, filter it first through a clean cloth or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Then, add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented liquid household bleach for each gallon water, stir well and let it stand for 30 minutes before using.

Click Here for a CVWD flyer in English and Español

For a Natural Gas Emergency, call toll-free 1-800-427-2200. Suspected gas odor or carbon monoxide is an emergency. Evacuate the area immediately and call SoCalGas.

Website: www.socalgas.com

Look

If you see a damaged connection to a natural gas appliance, dirt/water blowing into the air, a dry patch of grass, fire, or an explosion near a pipeline.

Listen

If you hear unusual sounds like hissing or whistling.

Smell

If you smell the distinctive odor of natural gas.

If You Suspect a Natural Gas Leak

Immediately evacuate the area, and from a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. If you experience any issues with this number, please call 911.

Learn how to locate and shut-off your Natural Gas meter in case of emergency.

Step 1 - Locate your Natural Gas meter

The image below shows four (4) possible meter locations.

Note: Do not turn off your meter unless you smell natural gas, hear the sound of gas escaping, or see other signs of a leak.

---

Step 2 - Find the Natural Gas shut-off valve

As you face the meter, you'll see a pipe running from the ground to the meter. There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe, usually located about 6 to 8 inches above the ground. Take a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench, and turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe. See the image below.

CAUTION: If you turn off your natural gas at the meter, leave it off. Do not turn it back on yourself. Contact SoCalGas to turn the meter back on and relight the pilots.

---

Step 3 - Locate the shut-off valve near your natural gas appliance

A shut-off valve should be installed at every natural gas appliance. If a leak happens at a specific appliance, the valve allows you to turn off the natural gas at the appliance rather than shutting off all of your natural gas service at the meter. This valve can be turned by hand but some may require a wrench to turn them. See the image below.

From a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 to report the problem.

Learn about the causes of Carbon Monoxide and what you can do to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous gas that you cannot smell, taste, or see. It is produced when carbon-based fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, natural gas, propane, charcoal, or wood are burned without enough oxygen, causing incomplete combustion.

What causes Carbon Monoxide in your home?

In the case of natural gas appliances, this can be caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, appliance misuse, or failure.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide can build up in a home or other structure when gas appliances are not working properly or when combustion gases are not being safely vented to the outside. Breathing in carbon monoxide can displace the oxygen in your blood, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. Severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The stages of Carbon Monoxide poisoning produce unexplained symptoms, such as:

• Sudden flu-like symptoms

• Headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, mental confusion, drowsiness

• Rapid or fluttering heartbeat

• Unconsciousness

Signs of Carbon Monoxide

Here are some of the most common signs of carbon monoxide:

• A yellow, large, and unsteady natural gas appliance burner flame (with the exception of decorative natural gas log appliances).

• An unusual pungent odor when the appliance is operating. This may indicate the creation of aldehydes, a by-product of incomplete combustion.

• Unexplained nausea, drowsiness, and flu-like symptoms.

What to do if you suspect Carbon Monoxide

If you think that Carbon Monoxide may be present in your home or office:

• If it's safe to do so, immediately turn off the suspected gas appliance and open windows to ventilate the area.

• Evacuate the building and do not let anyone back in until safe to do so.

• Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if anyone experiences any symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

• Contact SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 or a qualified professional immediately to have the appliance inspected.

• Don't use the suspected appliance until it has been inspected, serviced, and determined to be safe.

How to prevent Carbon Monoxide

To keep your natural gas appliances operating safely and efficiently, make sure to have them checked every year (either by SoCalGas or a licensed, qualified professional). Not performing yearly maintenance may result in inefficient appliance operation, and in some cases, dangerous exposure to Carbon Monoxide.

Here are some additional tips for preventing Carbon Monoxide:

• Vacuum around burner compartments, and inspect and replace furnace filters on forced-air units or central heating systems according to manufacturer instructions.

• Make sure to properly replace the front panels of a forced-air unit or the burner compartment door of a natural gas wall heater.

• Never store anything near a natural gas appliance that might interfere with normal appliance airflow.

• Make sure that appliance venting is intact and unblocked. Have all natural gas appliances and venting repairs done by a qualified professional.

• When using your natural gas fireplace, make sure the damper is open. Never use your natural gas oven for space heating.

• Natural gas appliance maintenance is always the homeowner’s responsibility. However, SoCalGas will be happy to perform appliance safety checks upon request.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

California state law requires that all residential properties with a fossil fuel burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage be equipped with an approved Carbon Monoxide alarm for each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

Even though carbon monoxide alarms may provide an extra level of safety, they also require routine maintenance and replacement at least every 3 to 5 years to perform properly. Even with alarms in place, regular natural gas appliance maintenance is still required. Inspection and routine maintenance are still an effective defense against accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from natural gas appliances.

Note: If you have a dog or cat, install at least one Carbon Monoxide alarm near the floor. An alarm at your standing head level may help you in time but your pet will still breathe in Carbon Monoxide before that alarm goes off. Look out for your pets too.

If you suspect Carbon Monoxide in your home, evacuate all people and pets from the area immediately and call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 to report the problem.

Learn how you can prepare for and respond to an emergency.

Natural disasters and other emergencies can strike without warning. In the event of an emergency, there’s a good chance that public safety service personnel will be busy handling emergencies. That's why it is important to be prepared at all times.

The following tips are designed to help you prepare for and respond to an emergency before one happens.

Your Natural Gas Meter

Know where your natural gas meter is located and keep a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench with your emergency supplies, near your building exit or next to your natural gas meter shut-off valve.

Don't store the wrench on the natural gas meter or other natural gas piping. In the event of an earthquake or other emergency, turn off your natural gas meter if you smell natural gas, hear natural gas leaking or see other signs of a leak-- and ONLY if it is safe to do so. Depending on how many customers are without natural gas service, it may take an extended period of time for SoCalGas to turn your natural gas services back on.

Secure Your Water Heater

To keep your water heater from moving or toppling in an earthquake, strap it firmly to the wall studs in two places - the upper and lower one-third of the tank - with heavy bolts and metal strapping.

Be sure to place the lower strap at least four inches above the thermostat controls. Kits are usually available at your local hardware store and we recommend having a qualified professional install it for you.

Check Safety Devices

Check your safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to make sure they're functioning properly. Call SoCalGas or a qualified professional to inspect your furnace and other natural gas appliances for safe operation.

Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan

Most of us have thought about what we would do in an emergency. Unfortunately, most of us never go beyond just thinking about it. Without formalizing your thoughts on how to approach various emergencies, you are not prepared. Being prepared means more than just having a store of supplies available; it means having a written plan that includes training and practice with all people and pets in your household.

What will your family do if one of these emergencies occur?

• House or wild fire

• Flooding

• Earthquake

• Intruder

• School or work emergency

• Large chemical spills

---

How to Create an Emergency Plan

When creating an emergency plan for your family, start by identifying two places for your family to meet:

1. Identify two places for your family to meet:

   • Somewhere outside your home

   • Somewhere away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home

2. Make sure your children are aware of the routes to both locations

3. Plan safe routes away from your home and business to high, safe ground

4. Develop a plan for family pets and livestock. Evacuation shelters may not allow animals.

5. Practice the plan with your family, including your children and pets

6. Review the emergency plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center, and other places where members of your family regularly spend time away from home

7. Keep current important documents in a safe-deposit box (birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, Social Security cards, wills, advance medical directives, powers of attorney, custody agreements, etc.)

8. Know if your home is in an area at risk of flooding or landslide

9. Clean debris from drains around your home or yard

10. Review and update your plan, as needed -- at least yearly

Please visit https://www.ready.gov/plan for more information on creating Emergency Plans.

---

Emergency Supplies Checklist

Stock up on at least 72 hours worth of emergency supplies for your safety and comfort during and after an earthquake or other emergency.

Here are some essential items to include in your Emergency Supplies Kit:

• Water: 3-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person, per day, plus extra for pets)

• Food: 3-day supply of packaged, dried, or canned food and any special diet items

• Metal or plastic utensils, paper plates, bowls, cups, and towels

• First-aid kit, first-aid handbook, and essential medications

• Supplies for babies, elderly, or disabled family members, and pets

• Non-electric can opener

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Battery-operated portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and light sticks

• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution

• Extra sets of house and car keys

• Fire extinguisher — A-B-C type

• Rubber boots and rain ponchos

• Duct tape

• Plastic trash bags, baby/hand wipes, hand sanitizer

• Sturdy pair of shoes and warm clothing

• Personal hygiene items

• Face coverings or dust masks

• Extra cell phone charger

• Whistle

• Paper notebook and pens/pencils

• Cash: $50-300 (if electric grid is shut down, how will you use an ATM or purchase items?)

• Copies of important personal, medical, bank, and insurance records

Please visit https://www.ready.gov/kit for more information on creating Emergency Kits.

For a Trash Emergency, call Burrtec Customer Service at (760) 340-2113.

Website: www.burrtec.com

If your trash, recyclables, or organic waste were not picked up, or your waste barrels were stolen or damaged, please contact Burrtec Customer Service at (760) 340-2113, email at customerservice@burrtecdesert.com, or use their Online Form.

Note: Remember to move your waste barrels back to your house within 24 hours after collection!

Burrtec provides pick-up services for bulky items that are too large to fit in your trash barrel. This includes furniture, mattresses, appliances, and more. Bulky item pick-up is FREE to residents for up to four (4) pieces each week.

Please contact Burrtec Customer Service at (760) 340-2113 to schedule a bulky item pick-up or use their Online Form.

If items are still in good condition, please consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store for reuse. Many organizations will pick-up free of charge.

To order one-time dumpsters or roll-off bins to collect large quantities of trash, please contact Burrtec Customer Service at (760) 340-2113 or use their Online Form. 

For more information on dumpster and roll-off bin rentals, visit the Burrtec website.